EN 71-8: 2018 Activity Toys for Domestic Use Standard is Revised

Revised European standard EN 71-8 was published in January 2018. The full revision includes many technical changes and clarifications.

SAFEGUARDS | Toys and juvenile Products
NO. 019/18

The previous version of EN 71-8 was published in 2011, when it was updated to assure compliance to the 2009/48/EC toy directive that came into force in 2011. The 2018 revision is needed to improve and clarify requirements.

The following aspects have been changed:

Exclusions from the scope:

Trampolines are excluded from EN 71-8, as a dedicated standard is now published for trampolines EN 71-14

Paddling pools with a depth of more than 400mm. It is clarified how to measure the depth

Definitions:

The definition of forced movement (cannot be totally controlled by the user, falls are excluded) has been clarified and figures for examples of swings and slides have been improved

Water accumulation:

New clause to avoid water accumulation that could cause drowning

Entrapment requirements:

Head, neck and finger entrapment requirements have been revised to better align with the hazards

Related test methods have also been revised

Slides:

Certain small slides, declined planes, are now excluded from the slide requirements

The junction between the sliding section and the run out section should be continuous curve

Swings:

Requirements on the impact from swing elements have been revised

Requirements on the geometry and design of swing elements have been revised

New requirements added for fall protection on swings with double seats

Paddling pool warnings:

Revision of warnings for paddling pool. The prohibition pictogram is no longer required. Only the mandatory action sign is required:

Test methods:

Test methods for stability, head and neck entrapment, hood and hood-string entrapment (toggle test) have been revised

New test methods for swings with double seats

In order for this standard to be a harmonized standard, it needs to be in compliance with the 2009/48/EC toy directive and must be published in the Official Journal of the EU (OJEU). There is no fixed timeline for the publication in the OJEU. Past publications have been within several months.

SGS offers a wide range of services to ensure that your products comply with the EU Toy Safety Directive. We offer training, safety/risk assessment, technical documentation check, labelling review, testing according to harmonized standards, SVHC screening, inspections and audits. With the largest global network of toy experts and testing facilities around the world - around 20 toy labs worldwide including 3 EU Notified Bodies (France, Germany and Netherlands), SGS is the partner to trust. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information or visit our website

Next step:

Make sure activity toys for domestic use comply with the new EN 71-8 requirements.